November 26
As I prepare for our Thanksgiving meal, it occurs to me that I should add my home to my list of things for which I am grateful. Recognizing the blessings in my life has been a simple task this week, but profound. How often we take the mundane for granted and we miss some of our greatest blessings.
I readily admit that this is not my dream home. When we bought it, almost 20 years ago now, we were new in the city and had no idea where we should go. The fabric of this community has frayed and we find ourselves in an area that is not ideal. Despite that, I believe that God has placed us here for this season.
A few specific blessings from living in this location:
We didn’t buy at the top of our budget, which allowed me to stay home with the kids. We have been able to homeschool and give our kids a strong Biblical foundation.
The hospital was a five minute drive. Caregiving was easier with our medical staff just minutes away. And during Leah’s extended hospitalizations I was able to sleep at home and had time with husband and my two older kids.
We have the opportunity to be a light to the community—one that needs the hope of Christ.
Sometimes I find myself lamenting where we live. I wish we were closer to family, our church, or in a dream location (for me that means mountains) and I allow myself to forget that we are supposed to be here. The Holy Spirit reminds me that years ago I was given a task to be a light to this neighborhood—a task from which I have not yet been released.
So even when trash is strewn down the alley, neighbors are arguing, and crime is up, we don’t isolate ourselves. We pray over our community. We stand against sinful behavior going on around us and declare that those things don’t happen within these walls. Our home is peaceful without the competing gods and shifting loyalties that culture embraces. This building is not just physical shelter, but a place of spiritual rest. We are thankful for the warm place to sleep and the memories made here. It is not perfect, but it is blessed because we have invited God into it.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, thank you my home. May I honor you with word and deed whenever I step through my door. Let me be a light in dark places and bring the hope of Jesus into the lives of those close to me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
